Astronomers Just Found a Magnetar That Breaks All the Rules

Magnetars are among the most extreme objects in the universe—ultra-dense neutron stars with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth’s. But a recent discovery is turning our understanding of their origins upside down.

Using data from NASA’s Hubble and ESA’s Gaia space telescopes, scientists traced the motion of a magnetar named SGR 0501+4516—and what they found is shocking. Contrary to long-standing beliefs, this magnetar likely didn’t form from a typical core-collapse supernova.

SGR 0501 sits near a known supernova remnant called HB9, and for years, scientists assumed the two were connected. But precision tracking shows the magnetar couldn’t have come from HB9—or any nearby supernova explosion.

So where did it come from?

Researchers propose a more exotic origin: a white dwarf that collapsed after feeding off a companion star, growing too massive and unstable. This alternative path could form a magnetar without any supernova at all.

If confirmed, SGR 0501+4516 would be the strongest case yet for a magnetar formed through an unconventional route—forcing astronomers to rethink how these magnetic monsters are born and opening new doors in high-energy astrophysics.

RESEARCH
A.A. Chrimes et al., “The infrared counterpart and proper motion of magnetar SGR 0501+4516”, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025)

Starfish, or sea stars, have remarkable regenerative capabilities.

They can regrow lost limbs and, in some species, even regenerate an entire new body from just one severed arm—as long as part of the central disc, the core of their body where all arms connect, is intact.

This process is not merely healing but true regeneration: complex structures like muscles, nerves, and organs are rebuilt.

This ability varies by species. For example:

Linckia species (like the blue sea star) are especially known for this full-body regrowth.

In most species, losing an arm isn't fatal, and regrowth may take several months to years depending on environmental conditions and injury severity.

This regenerative trait is not only a survival advantage but also a subject of scientific interest, especially in regenerative medicine

Even from space, Mount Fuji takes your breath away.

Captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), this stunning view shows Japan’s iconic volcano piercing through a sea of clouds—its nearly perfect cone rising 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level.

Mount Fuji isn’t just the tallest peak in Japan—it’s a living symbol of endurance, beauty, and national pride. An active stratovolcano, its last eruption was in 1707, yet it continues to inspire climbers, artists, and spiritual seekers from around the world.

From orbit, Earth’s natural wonders reveal their full majesty—and even familiar landmarks like Fuji take on a cosmic sense of scale and wonder.

A sacred mountain seen from the stars.

A signal to Voyager 1 now takes over 23 hours to arrive—and just as long to return.

That’s nearly a full day round-trip just to whisper across the stars. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 is still exploring—now the most distant human-made object in space.

In January 2027, it’s set to hit a cosmic milestone: one light-day (about 25.9 billion km) from the Sun—right in time for its 50th anniversary.

But as its power source weakens, NASA may soon begin shutting down some of its instruments to keep the mission going just a little longer.

To put it all in perspective:
Nearest star, Proxima Centauri? Still 4.24 light-years away.
At Voyager 1’s current speed, it would take ~74,000 years to get there.

50 years later, this tiny spacecraft is still writing history beyond the edge of our solar system.

Post about wars has Starships by Nicki Minaj in the background.